Five Steps To Happy Hummers

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 32 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #830 in Animals, #20,529 overall

Hummingbird Happiness 101

Here you'll find proven methods for attracting and caring for hummers. Beginner to advanced enthusiasts will find valuable information and helpful tips galore. My hope is that this knowledge will provide a more enjoyable experience for you and the birds.

Five Steps To Happy Hummers ~ Table of Contents 

To Attract & Keep Hummers Happy, See Five Things You Need to Do Below:

My 5 Steps To Happy Hummers Lens give you all the information!

8/25/09- Almost One Hundred Pounds Of Sugar! 

And I Am Overwhelmed With Hummingbirds

It's all good though! I've had such an action packed summer and have used almost 100 lbs of sugar to date. I have had so much fun photographing and drawing my little sweeties. It has been a great challenge and learning experience. I've perfected my nectar making process and will post some tips and photos here soon. See last year's video, "Hummingbird Feeding Frenzy" (link below) and speed it up a bit and add more birds - that's what it's like around here these days. So forgive me for not updating this lens as often as I would have liked!

EXPERT ADVICE ON PHOTOGRAPHING HUMMINGBIRDS 

Be sure to check out this photographers awesome hummingbird shots!

How to set up and photograph hummingbirds by dyesscreek.com.

Hummingbird Dancers

One Of My Garden Treasures

Just Look At Those Colors!

One of Many Hummingbird Sketches This Summer

See www.sketchingeveryday For More!

The Sugar Water - Nectar Assembly Line 

Some Shots, Tips And Tricks I've Come Up

Keeping up with so many hungry hummers is a challenge and a joy. Here's some photos of my Hummingbird Nectar Operation. The first photo shows my supplies and empty Ocean Spray juice bottles. I now prefer them over soda bottles because they are heavier weight plastic, (#2) which is recyclable here, while most soda pop and water bottles are not - (#4 or no number). The bottles fit nicely in the fridge and I love their new cranberry juice products! Since I have over a dozen feeders, it does take some time to clean and refill them everyday. In between bleach soaks, I'm now filling them outside and cleaning them with my watering can and a small feeder brush. This helps minimize the sticky drips through the kitchen and saves time. See how nice the bottles (3 gallons worth) fit in my rather small refrigerator. The nectar will stay for up to two weeks there, but mine will be gone in a few days. The last photo here is a real life saver. It's called the Best 1 Hummingbird feeder from where else, but TEXAS! I always heard things were bigger there! This 1/2 gallon beauty has been with me for years. Gotta get me another. Here's the company - Best 1 - Poteet, TX 78065 830-742-3604 :-D

My Supplies for Making Nectar

Doing Some Work Outside Helps Save Cleanup

Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Bottles Save Space

BEST 1 GIANT HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER

6-16-09 - WILD THINGS!! 

YOU MAKE MY HEART SING!


"Like winds and sunsets, wild things were taken for granted until progress began to do away with them. Now we face the question whether a still higher 'standard of living' is worth its cost in things natural, wild and free. For us of the minority, the opportunity to see hummingbirds is more important than television." ~ Aldo Leopold

This photo was taken just minutes ago from inside my screened porch. :-D
I'm in hummer heaven!

NEW HUMMINGBIRD PRINTS AVAILABLE 

For Those Of You Who Can Never Get Enough!

Photography Prints


Prints Of Some Of My Original Hummingbird Paintings Are Now Available Here! Check Back Often, I'll Be adding More Shortly!

Hummingbird Update! 

5-6-2009

Things are starting to liven up here in Southern NJ! I've just put up my forth feeder and cleaned and refilled the three I already had up. We've had a lot of rain here and a couple of the feeders were starting to get mold inside after only a few days! If you are serious about attracting your own little band of buddies, it's important to be vigilant about the filling and cleaning of several feeders right from the beginning. If you aren', they'll just come on down to my place! : - D I put out several feeders as soon as I see activity, because hummers are so territorial that if you only have one or two out, some will just move on if the competition is too tough. Read this lens to find out all the details of hummer happiness. If you have any questions, be sure to email me! I'd love to hear from you!

====<<>>====

4-23-09 - THEY'RE BACK!! 

I'm So Excited!

I am so excited to report that my hummingbird(s) have arrived! Last night I saw my first glimpse and this morning got a better view. Needless to say, I am delighted! Let the adventure begin!! Visit my hummingbird pages and read here - my 5 Steps To Happy Hummers Lens, to find out more about attracting and keeping your own flying gems.

====<<>>====

"Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you."
~ Oprah Winfrey

"It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement;
the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest.
It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living." ~
David Attenborough



I just added PayPal to my websites. Ordering online has never been easier. See recent original hummingbird paintings on Spirit Art and See my ltd. ed. hummingbird prints here.

4-5-09 

Hummers in NJ

THE HUMMERS ARE HERE!! I haven't seen mine yet, but the migration map says they've been spotted all the way up to Mass.! Check out the migration map on Hummingbirds.net!

3/16/09 The Hummers Are Coming! 

The Hummers Are Coming!

Our Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds are on their way! Check out the migration map on Hummingbirds.net! They've been spotted in Mid FL to NC! WAHOO!

A Virtual Hummingbird Hug - 11/7/08

HYPED UP HUMMINGBIRDS - Starring My Sugar Sand Sweeties 

Feeding Frenzy ~ August 21st, 2008

It is late August and there's lots of action in my yard. The hummers now go into training and fatten up for their long journey to Central America.

Hyped Up Hummingbird Feeding Frenzy

It is late August and there's lots of action in my yard. The hummers now go into training and fatten up for their long journey to Central America. Make sure to click "watch in high quality" right underneath the video. See "Five Steps to Happy Hummers" at: http://squidoo.com/happyhummers Also see Sandy's art and writing at: http://sandysandy.com

Runtime: 87
1621 views
2 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

Happy Hummingbirds in the NJ Pine Barrens 

The First Day of Summer 6/20/2008

Things are really hopping here in NJ right now. I've got 6 feeders out and they're all as busy as this one featured here in my first video. I filmed this last week on the first day of summer. It will only get busier as the season progresses.
I am LOVIN' IT!

Three minutes of the activity that goes on at my hummingbird feeders all day here. Last year we went through 70lbs of sugar! Some friends call me the Hummingbird Master. Make sure to click "watch in high quality" right underneath the video. See "Five Steps to Happy Hummers" at: http://squidoo.com/happyhummers Also see Sandy's art and writing at: http://sandysandy.com http://squidoo.com/animalspirits http://squidoo.com/sketchingeveryday

curated content from YouTube

Copyright Notice 



*All images and text on this lens are by

Please see copyright information here.

1. Get the Right Kind of Feeder. 

Saucer type feeders with perches and ant motes are preferred

* Birds like to perch and survey their territory.

* Sitting and resting during feeding saves precious energy.

* Perching helps young birds to socialize.

* Yellow flowers on feeders are unnecessary.
* They are said to attract ants.
* They make the feeder much harder to clean.

* I prefer the HummZinger - It has deeper well which deters bees and wasps.

I don't like the idea of a disposable feeders, commercial premixed nectars or any other gimmicks that companies come up with just to make money! If you don't have time to clean out your feeders, just hang seasonal flowers that the hummingbirds enjoy. See the list below.


This is a sketch of my Fancy Hummzinger from my Drawing Everyday Blog.


HummZinger Feeders on the Web ~ AspectsInc.com


Support Local Merchants
See a large selection of feeders locally at:
A Wild Bird Oasis, Medford Lakes, NJ

The Hummzinger on Amazon 

This is one I recommend!

Aspects Hummingbird Hummzinger Feeder (6 feeding ports - 16-oz feeder - 8'' diameter)

Aspects Hummingbird Hummzinger Feeder (6 feeding ports - 16-oz feeder - 8'' diameter)

These are very easy to clean, no removable parts and no yellow flowers. My hummers prefer the saucer design because I think it gives them better visibility on their lookout for "territory intruders". Some of the other Hummzingers are pretty fancy too!

Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 11/27/2009) Buy Now

2. Use the Right Sugar Water Mixture 

Never use premixed solutions!

*I repeat, do not use premixed solutions!

* ESPECIALLY do not use any product with red dye in it.
* It's unnecessary and may harm the birds.
* At best it is useless.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* A four part tap water to one part regular cane sugar (NO substitues) is the most widely accepted solution.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*This mix approximates the average sucrose content of flowers favored by North American birds.

* Do not make it sweeter as it may harm the birds.

* No need to boil the water! It will last up to two weeks in the fridge.

* Use very hot tap water and dissolve the sugar by stirring. I use a pitcher and a wooden spoon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* A five parts water to one part sugar mixture increases hummingbird action at the feeders.
* Hummers seem to like it just as well.
* It decreases ant and other insect attraction.
* If you do this, stick with the four to one during times of migration, when they need more energy and need to put on weight.

3. Hang your Feeder in the Right Place. 

Location is Key.

* The north side is most desirable. - It's in shade most of the day.

* The south side isleast desirable. - It's in direct sun most of the day.

*Placing feeders under trees provides cover and eliminates direct sunlight. However, don't hang them directly from trees or objects where cats or other animals may gain access.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Pole hangers or shepherd's hooks are the safest and most versatile for hanging feeders.

* They can easily be moved to ideal locations.
* This keeps feeders a safe distance off ground - away from predators.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* About ants:

* I have successfully used Raid Outdoor Ant Bait stakes at the base of the pole to eliminate ants. Ortho also makes one.

* I have sprayed PAM on poles at the base, near ground to eliminate ants.

* Do not spray up high where the oil could drip or come into contact with birds, however.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Position feeders near trees and plant cover.

* Hang feeders near windows so you can enjoy the hummingbirds'company.

* To be on the safe side, put decals and or sun catchers on windows near feeders to avoid collisions.

4. The Right Feeder Maintenance is Paramount 

The return is well worth the effort.

* Maintaining your feeders is a commitment. ~ Your hummers will become dependent on your care.

* Be prepared to continue with the upkeep. ~ Or plant a hummingbird garden, instead.

* Hummingbirds will starve rather than consume spoiled sugar water. ~ They will simply move on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Discard any unconsumed or spoiled solution after a week's time, or if the water becomes cloudy

* Every filling, flush the feeder with hot tap water and scrub with a small feeder brush. Don't use soap, just hot water.

* Visually inspect the entire feeder for black mold! This is easily removed with a bleach soak.

* A bleach soak should be done on a regular basis, monthly or as needed.

* For a bleach soak, clean the feeder thoroughly with a solution of 1/4 cup bleach to one gallon of water.

* Soak for one hour, then clean with your hands and a bottle or feeder brush.

* Rinse well with hot running water and refill.

* If the birds are not emptying your feeder between cleanings, just partially refill it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* If the sugar solution in your feeder turns cloudy, it's spoiled and needs to be replaced.

* If you get a lot of rain and the mixture gets diluted, you need to change it.

* When the temperature is over 80 degrees (F), clean and refill every two to four days.

* Over 90°F, it might spoil in one or two days.

5. Provide the Right Environment 

Make your yard hummer friendly

* Plant vegetation that attracts hummingbirds ~ to provide natural nectar and attract the insects they feed on.

* Flowers they like are usually highly visible, with little fragrance.

* A hummer garden is also a great way to attract customers to your feeders!

* Don't use pesticides around hummingbird plants.

*Pesticides will also eliminate the small insects hummingbirds rely upon for protein.

*Ingesting sprayed flowers could sicken or kill the birds.

* Some Common Plants to Attract and Feed Hummingbirds ~

Trees and Shrubs ~ * Azalea * Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) * Cape Honeysuckle * Mt. Laurel * Mimosa

Vines ~ * Coral Honeysuckle * Cypress Vine * Morning Glory * Trumpet Creeper

Flowers ~ * Bee Balm (Monarda) * Canna * Cardinal Flower * Columbine * Foxglove * Hosta * Yucca * Fuchsia * Impatiens * Petunia * Various Salvia species

====<<>>====


Hummingbirds Like It COLD! 

Making up 4 - 6 extra liters of nectar to keep in the fridge.

Since I go through a lot of nectar, I've come up with a system that I think is pretty efficient for mixing and storing sugar-water nectar for my hummingbirds. When I fill and clean the feeders, I make up 4 - 6 liters extra and store it in clean soda pop bottles in the fridge. The hummers actually prefer the cold drink when it's hot out. Don't you? I keep a half cup measuring cup in my sugar canister. I add two of these to the pitcher, then add four heaping cups of hot tap water and mix it up real good with a wooden spoon. I use a funnel and put it into the bottles which I store in the fridge. (They're good for up to two weeks, but don't last more than a day or two around here!)

Supplies to Make Life With Hummers Easier

If your feeders are looking dirty, it's time for a cleaning! 

This easily removes the black stuff that builds up in the nooks and crannies.

This is worth repeating ~
* Bleach soak should be done on a regular basis ~ monthly or as needed.

* Clean the feeder thoroughly with a solution of 1/4 cup bleach to one gallon of water.

* Soak one hour, then clean with a bottle or feeder brush.

* Rinse well with running water and refill.

A bleach soak removes mold and debris.

2008 Hummingbird Heaven 

My Diary of Hummer Happenings

Garden Jewel by Nancy Hinds

September 26th, 2008 - All Gone? 

It's Very Qiet Around Here

I haven't seen any hummers here for the past couple of days. I think the last batch of birds may have left here and started on their long journey. I wish them a safe trip and await their return to me next spring. I will continue to replenish the nectar and maintain several feeders until well into fall. I have gotten travelers come through here as late as Thanksgiving before.

September 20th - 2008 

Handful of Happy Hummers Still Hanging Out

Although things are winding down here in Southern New Jersey and most of my hummingbirds have left on their fall journey, we still have a dozen or so hanging out here. They are probably transients, but several have gotten quite accustomed to me, so I'm sure they have been here for at least a couple of weeks.

We also have some hummingbird enthusiasts, Nancy Hinds and Frank Goff, who have been coming every Saturday to spend time with our little treasures. I call them the Hummer Hounds. It's fun to share my enthusiasm and joy with them. It's Saturday, so I expect their call to say they are coming over soon.

Photo Taken By Hummer Hound, Nancy Hinds

August 17th ~ Preparing For the Trip 

The Hummers are Busy Training and Fattening Up

Many of my males have already left for Central America. I've noticed the juveniles pairing up and practicing their aerodynamic acrobatics, fattening up and getting ready for their maiden voyage.

July 30th, 2008 

Hungry Hummers

I did a bleach soak on my ten hummingbird feeders today. It took about an hour and the hummers were getting very impatient. Needless to say, they were very happy to see me hang them back up.

Impatient Customers

July 23rd, 2008 

Ten Feeders

We've got ten hummingbird feeders out in our yard now.They are being emptied daily. It's a lot of work but we love the return we get for our efforts.

One Hundred Hummers

Nonstop Action! ~ 6/24/08

Happy Hummingbirds ~ 6/20/08

My Hummingbird Highway 

June 20th ~ 2008

I took this photo today. I did a little Photoshop work
to it by combining several photos into one.
This is really how it looks around here though!
Just ask anyone who's seen it for themselves!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

See a larger version of this image here on my
Hummingbird Pages
 on www.sandysandy.com.

====<<>>====

A flash of Red ~ 6/11/08

Finally ~ Some Real Activity! 

June 11th ~ Hummingbird Activity Has Been Low So Far This Year

I was at Woodford's Ceder Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford, NJ today and was talking to a couple of the girls there about hummingbirds. We were discussing the fact that there seems to be less activity at the feeders this year than in previous years. We all agreed that activity at our feeders seemed low for this late in the season. I assured them that our hummers were just nesting now and this is normal. We also discussed that the vegetation in our area is very lush this year and there is a lot of natural nectar out there for our little friends to gather. When I got home I couldn't believe my eyes. There were hummers zooming around my yard everywhere! I could see four and five at a time together. Must be the first brood has started to fledge! They sure are wary of me though. It took me quite a while to get these far away shots of a couple of the males in my pine trees. Every time I'd get the camera set up to take a shot, they would disappear, just like magic.

Ready, Cameras.... Action! ~ 6/11/08

NESTING HUMMINGBIRDS 

Where Are All The Hummers?

June 5th ~
I saw a couple of females at the feeders today. Perhaps the nest is getting a little crowded and the moms needed a little time to themselves.

May 30th ~
I haven't seen any females at my feeders for several weeks now. The ones I did see then, already looked plump and ready to lay eggs. I sure can hear a lot of noisy squeaks whenever I go outside however. I guess it will be another couple of weeks before the crowds arrive.

He's B A C K ! Right On Schedule! ~ 4/19/08

Ruby-Throated HUMMINGBIRDS 

The Only Species that's Common East of the Mississippi



Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most skillful flyers of all the birds and it is the only species that can fly backwards. Because it can hover, fly up, down, forward, backward and sideways, at amazing speeds up to 55 mph., it virtually has no predators. Hummers drink flower nectar and eat small insects constantly throughout the day and hibernate at night to conserve energy. With no help from the male, the female can raise 2-3 broods of offspring each season. The mother builds her walnut sized nest of borrowed silk and web of insects and decorates it with moss and lichen. If she survives, she will return year after year to the same spot to nest.


The Ruby-throated hummingbird is the only species that nests east of the Mississippi. Here it is wide ranging, from southern Canada to Florida. Hummers winter in Mexico and Central America and have been known to travel over 2500 miles on their biannual migrations. Because of this, hummingbirds are a symbol of accomplishing that which seems impossible. Their playful aerial displays and squeaky cheeps remind us to seek joy as we drink from the abundant nectars of life.

====<<>>====


Happy Healthy Hummers

Sandy Sandy's Web Log 

Featuring my animals, friends, art, photos and adventures!

Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

Gratitude and Joy

Paintings On YouTube From Spiritartartist 

Three Joyful Minutes

A collection of my Spirit Art Paintings
set to the New Age music of CUSCO
Relax and enjoy the show!


Hummingbirds ~ Tiny Garden Tre...

Runtime: 187
695 views
1 Comments:


Wolf Spirit Paintings

Runtime: 238
1530 views
5 Comments:


Sandy Sandy Spirit Artist

Runtime: 363
2397 views
4 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

The Symbolism of Hummingbird 

From My Animal Spirits Book

Hummingbird enjoys spreading love and joy among flowers, animals, and people. Because hummers may migrate as much as 3,000 miles twice a year, they are a symbol of intense focus and dedication. They are successful at achieving that which seems unattainable. This can provide much inspiration to those facing difficult situations. The magic of the hummingbird lies in being able to open hearts. People who have the energy of the hummingbird display similar characteristics. They are constantly searching for balance and harmony. Helping others to enjoy life more fully, they often bring out the best in everybody.
If hummingbird has come to you, remember that those who
bring joy to others cannot keep it from themselves.

====<<>>====


All That Glitters is not Gold

Birds of Inner Light and Rainbow Wings 

Notes from a Hummkeeper

I live in Southern New Jersey, so the only species we see here is the Ruby Throated Hummingbird. I have been feeding them for over twenty years. By August, we usually have hordes of hummers. Because they return to the same spot year after year, we just keep getting more and more! I heard one way to estimate the number of individuals you have, is to count the number you can see at one time, and then multiply it by four. The most I could count at one time was 27, so we probably had over 100 birds here last year and went through over seventy pounds of sugar! My friends have started to call me a name I am very fond and proud of,
"The Hummingbird Master".

All of the images on this site are taken from my original art, some of which is still available for sale. Please contact me with your inquires, thanks!


How Sweet It Is

Hummingbird Poll 

What's Your Opinion Of The Hummingbirds' Personality?

We all see things differently and I think it's a good thing. How do you view our little garden gems?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Reader Feedback 

Wait....Please Let Me Know You Were Here!

Thank you for visiting my lens. Please let me know what you think about what's here and what else you'd like to see. If you like it, Please take a moment and go back to the top of the page and give me some stars by clicking on the right hand 5 stars above. Also please LensRoll Me and Add Me To Your Favorites. Lensrolling makes it easier to get back here and see the new information I've added! I plan on adding fresh content as the season gets under way here. I really appreciate your thoughts and love hearing from you. Wishing You Abundance Always, Sandy

submit
Show All

Some Bird Books I Recommend 

Books About Hummers and Others From My Library

A Hummingbird in My House: The Story of Squeak

A Hummingbird in My House: The Story of Squeak

by: Arnette Heidcamp

Amazon Price: $15.34 (as of 11/27/2009) Buy Now

National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Fifth Edition

National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Fifth Edition

by: Jon L. Dunn, Jonathan Alderfer

Amazon Price: $16.32 (as of 11/27/2009) Buy Now

The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds

The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds

by: John K. Terres

Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009) Buy Now

My Favorite Hummer Site 

A Wealth of Information 24 / 7 at Your Fingertips!

The Web's premier hummingbird site
I visit this site often! Here you'll find answers to many common questions. Identification, science, feeding, migration maps, photo and art gallery links and much more are here for the education and delight of hummingbird enthusiasts.

Learn How to Draw A Hummingbird 

See My Sensational Sketches Lens!



Check out Six Simple Step to Sensational Sketches Here!


Paint Along With Me! 

Sketch a Hummingbird In Watercolor

Sandy Sandy demonstrates her Six Steps to Sensational Sketches in this unedited seven minute video. The background music is "Temple of Remembrance" from Apurimac II by Cusco, http://www.cuscomusic.com. Make sure to click "watch in high quality" right underneath the video. See photos and written step by step instruction on this lesson on Sandy's sketching lens at: http://squidoo.com/sketchingeveryday links to all Spiritartist's blogs and sites can be found on the home page of her main website at: http://sandysandy.com

Runtime: 457
1618 views
1 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

The American Dream 

SquiDirectory 

Check Out All The Amazing Pages Here

Squidoo Directory

Holiday Hummers 

12 / 22 / 08

I truly miss my little friends, especially now at the holidays. Our hummingbirds leave in September and don't return until April. Today's painting is called "Home for the Holidays". With so much joy in my life, it seems weird that my little flying jewels are not here with us. Wherever they are, I wish them a happy holiday season!

I'll Be Home For Christmas 

... If Only In My Dreams

Hummingbird Christmas Tree Ornaments 

Vote For Your Favorite Hummer Decoration!

The Photos below are of ornaments on my 2008 Christmas Tree in my studio. It has a Bird Theme. I've got more hummers than any other type. What a surprise!

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Hummingbird Ornament (1-A)

Hummingbird Ornament (2-B)

Hummingbird Ornament (3-C)

Hummingbird Ornament (4-D)

Hummingbird Ornament (5-E)

by spiritartist

My name is
Sandy Sandy. I am an artist, author and animal lover. I strive to portray the spirit of my subjects and foster the joy and appreciation of... (more)

Related Topics

spiritartist Recommends...

Create a Lens!